(Avoca) The 2021-22 AHSTW boys basketball season came to a close in a Class 1A Substate Final against West Harrison last year. The 2022-23 Vikings are in a 2A Substate Final on Saturday night and hope to get at least one step farther.
7th rated AHSTW matches up with 17-6 DM Christian at ADM High School in Adel. A win on Saturday could ease the sting of a loss that’s been in the back of their minds for a year. “Soon after it was really hard. That’s what fuels the fire in your belly a little bit.” Head coach GG Harris says, “We have seven seniors and we want to make memories and be really proud of our effort. It’s not the loss that drives us it’s the time. With the time we have left together we are going to continue to do our best for one another.”
The Vikings have won in a variety of ways this postseason. In the first round they rode their big guns Brayden Lund and Kyle Sternberg to an 87-57 win over Panorama. On Tuesday in the District Finals they got big contributions from their supporting cast to oust Van Meter 64-49. “You have to be ready for anything every game. We’ve talked about starring in your role.” Harris says, “Everybody has to be ready for when their number is called. We have a great group.”
DM Christian has been reaping the rewards of a strong non-conference schedule and knocked off the top seed in District 14 on Tuesday with their 55-54 decision over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. “They are battle tested for sure. They play in a great league and their non-conference schedule is as tough as anybody’s. They have great tradition, know how to play basketball, and are super well coached. They are young and scrappy and not afraid to get after it. They got a huge win over E-B-F on a last second shot so they will be riding high with confidence. We have to find ways to instill our style. It’s big stakes so hopefully maturity and experience will shine through.”
The game will air on 96.5 FM KSOM. Pregame coverage starts at 6:45 p.m. with a 7:00 tip off.
AHSTW coach GG Harris:
